Echoes of the Dunes: Said Alatawi Mission to Preserve the Spirit of the Desert - Press Report

Press Report - Middle East - Written by Antonio Martino

Interview Feature:
“Voices from the Dunes: Said Alatawi on the Soul of the Desert and the Call to Protect It”

By Antonio Martino – Environmental Correspondent

Antonio Martino (AM):
Said, thank you for joining us. You’re not just a content creator—you’ve become something of a cultural ambassador for the Arabian desert. What draws you to the desert as a subject?

Said Alatawi (SA):
Thank you, Antonio. The desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a part of who I am. I was raised in the north of Saudi Arabia, where the sand dunes weren’t just scenery. They were part of our daily life, our identity, our stories. The desert teaches you patience, silence, and respect. It’s a place of peace, but also resilience.

AM:
Many outside the region see the desert as empty or lifeless. What do you say to that?

SA:
That’s a common misconception. People think “desert” means nothingness—but it’s the opposite. The desert is full of life: from the foxes and falcons to the plants that bloom after the rain. There’s a delicate ecosystem. Even the wind has a rhythm. You just have to slow down and listen. I try to show that in my videos—not with filters, but with authenticity.

AM:
Your content often features traditional Bedouin practices—tea by the fire, camel herding, stargazing. Is there a message behind that?

SA:
Absolutely. I want young people, especially in the Arab world, to reconnect with our roots. Technology is amazing—but we must not lose our connection to the land. The desert teaches humility. When you sit under a sky full of stars, with no signal, no noise—just silence—you realize how small we are. That’s a powerful feeling.

AM:
From an environmental standpoint, how do you view the desert?

SA:
It’s fragile. People think it’s indestructible because it looks so vast, but that’s a mistake. Off-roading, illegal hunting, and dumping waste are hurting it. Some dunes that stood for centuries have been damaged by careless tourism. It’s heartbreaking. That’s why I always talk about “eco-deserting.” If you visit the desert, leave no trace. Respect the wildlife. Don’t drive outside designated paths.

AM:
You’ve recently partnered with a few environmental groups. What does that collaboration look like?

SA:
I’m working with local initiatives and NGOs to educate youth on desert preservation. We organize cleanup drives, desert walks with experts, and I use my TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness. My goal isn’t just to entertain—it’s to inspire. If I can get one kid to plant a tree or stop throwing plastic bottles, that’s a win.

AM:
Do you think the desert can play a role in tourism without being damaged?

SA:
Yes—but only if it’s done with care. Sustainable desert tourism is possible. I’ve seen examples in Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, where camps use solar energy, limit vehicle access, and hire local guides. When you involve the community and educate tourists, the desert becomes not just a destination—but a teacher.

AM:
On a personal note—what’s your favorite moment in the desert?

SA:
Sunrise. There’s this golden light that touches the sand and everything feels like it’s breathing. And then there’s the silence—no phones, no cars, just the sound of the wind moving over the dunes. It’s not just peaceful—it’s sacred.

AM:
What’s your message to the world, especially people who’ve never seen a desert?

SA:
Don’t judge the desert by what you see in movies. Come with an open heart. Walk barefoot on the sand. Sit with a local by the fire. Listen to the silence. It will change how you see the world—and yourself.

AM:
Said, thank you for sharing this powerful vision. It’s clear that your passion goes beyond content—it’s about culture, nature, and legacy.

SA:
Thank you, Antonio. The desert gave me a voice—I just want to give something back.